Hi Terry,
I across the river from Jerry in Trenton. I have had two of these neck disections. The first in 1997 was a neck disection only and lasted about 6 hours. I had a metasisis to one node in the neck. No known primary. I was in hospital 5 days. Went back to work at desk job 8 days later. A little too soon. You should not be doing any heavy lifting, more than a lb for several weeks after surgery and may need PT. I had no pain with either neck disection other than what I caused by injuring my back by lifting too soon and not having any arms on my computer chair.

Is the surgery being done at a major cancer center? If so, I don't think you need to worry. If not, I might inquire as to how many of these operations this doctor had done. You need someone who can do this in their sleep.

Take care,
Eileen